In 2005, we met on December 10th at a neighborhood Christmas party. We were both new to the neighborhood and unaccompanied that evening, so we spent a few minutes chatting and exchanging business cards. I ordered shipping supplies for my business from his company a few months later. We have been adventure partners since then.
That evening changed my life in enumerable ways. Without Mr. Mickey’s encouragement and adventuresome spirit, I would never have started a blog to share what I’ve learned. Reading your comments and emails has brought me so much joy and friends I would never have found had I not attended that party so long ago.
My look for our day-long celebration included this jacket, these pants, these similar shoes, these hose, this top, a similar belt here, and a similar bag here. The jacket runs small. I buy dress slacks in a size 8 for a more elegant fit and jeans in a size 6 since they nearly always stretch out after an hour.
Lovely picture of you & Mr Mickey. I always think there is a quality of old fashioned romance about you. Where I come from in the UK we used to refer to courting and I think that describes you and Mr Mickey something charming
Thank you, Karen. I am old-fashioned in many ways and often refer to him as my gentleman caller.
Susan you are envy of so many for the fabulous Mr Mickey. I am headed out to McAdenville NC for the Christmas lights, have you been? It would be a longer drive for you, but the town turns them on at 5:30 and they are fabulous. Tell us what is going on with your hair since someone us (me) tend to follow “Street” fashion to the T.
I have never been to McAdenville, but it sounds lovely.
I’ll be getting a trim later this week. With all that I went through earlier this year, I could only plan for manicures, pedicures, and haircuts once my schedule was free.
Merry Christmas and Best Wishes to you and Mr. Mickey for a healthy, adventure filled year ahead. The two of you are admired in so many ways. Cheers!
Cheers to you both too! What wonderful story .
Love seeing you and Mr. Mickey spending a day celebrating your many years of romance. I love the shorter red jacket. That length is so flattering. My husband would like to know where Mr. Mickey stores his wallet, keys and other necessities when going out. Does he use the pockets in his sport coat? He’d appreciate the information. Thank you!
Thinking of both of you as you continue to recover your strength and vitality.
Since he wears mostly older, fuller-cut pants with deep pockets, he stores his wallet and handkerchief in his front pockets. Keys and phone go into the inner pockets of his sports coat.
Merry Christmas! I do hope you have a Happy Holiday!!
It’s very nice that you both met! What a nice story. I’m glad he encouraged you to write the blog. I enjoy it so much!!
What a great picture! You both look so nice. You always look so good in red. Have ever had seasonal color analysis done? If so, do you use it to choose your wardrobe colors? Also, as an aside, are there two Christmas trees in the home? Or is that a mirror image in the picture.
I have yet to have a professional color analysis done. I’ve always preferred specific colors over others, and red, black, white, navy, and gray, with occasional royal blue, are those. We are standing in a lodge lobby, and there are two trees.
You look lovely but very pale. I hope that you are ok.. Please have a wonderful holiday season. May the new year bring you good health and happiness.
Thank you, I’m well.
You never know when your life will change. You make a beautiful couple and I thank Mr Mickey for encouraging you to blog
Beautiful outfit and blog history. Thanks for all the good hints this year!
Congratulations to both of you on your partnership!
Wishing you both a healthy and happy holiday season. I have been following you for years and have often felt that I needed to say something, but held back. I rarely, very rarely, feel that impulse to comment. But you have been inspiring at all times, kind and generous in all your interactions with readers and your subscribers. That you have good style and taste is evident, but I just want to add that my admiration and comments are directed to you and Mr. Mickey as a compliment to you both on your depth of character and your ‘goodness’ . Your generosity of spirit shines through in all your postings. I wish you both a truly happy new year as you both recover from your health scares, and a continuing happy future. You brighten my life, and the lives of many others I’m sure, who maybe hold back from commenting, as I have done until now.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Thank you so much for your kind comments. You made our day!
You make such a nice couple! It shows that you are both very happy. I just love your red jacket. Unfortunately in Canadian funds its almost 400.00 too much for my budget!
Wishing you and Mr. Mickey a very happy Christmas and only good things for the New Year!
MERRY CHRISTMAS from San Antonio to you and Mr. Mickey. You make such a charming couple anf I think it was meant to be that you began this journey years ago. Best wishes from a retired Texas couple….who are native Tennesseans❤️
Lovely photo of the two most elegant people! Merry Christmas to you both and good health in 2024. Thank you for your inspiring blog and wisdom. You are an inspiration to so many women.
Another wonderful year reading your blog, thank you for all you do. Merry Christmas to you and Mr Mickey
Wishing you both the merriest Christmas! I too have been a long time follower and have learned and enjoyed each post! It’s a wonderful life you both have enjoyed together. Thank you for your sharing your fun escapes! I am happy you have each other!
Merry Christmas to you and Mr. Mickey! I love the red jacket, but like Jeannette, I’m in Canada and the price is prohibitive. I’d love to find something similar in my price range.
Merry Christmas, Susan! Thank you for sharing your fashion journey and joyful outlook. I have learned a lot from you and treasure your emails. Wishing you and yours a beautiful season and every blessing in the new year!
Leslie Koschmann
Wishing you both a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you for all your inspiration and advice. Best wishes from England!
You are a very attractive couple with a classic look which is the style I love.
May your holidays be blessed with love, peace and joy as we celebrate our savior’s birth.
I like your hair shorter, it gives you a lift
Blessings to you both.
Good to see you both in this posting. Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year!
Nancy
You both look fabulous! How you met is a wonderful story and your friendship has lasted for years and I’m sure, deepened.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and Mr. Mickey!
Merry Xmas to both of you. We too benefit from your meeting. Have you any pictures of that Party? Wish you the best!
I wish someone had taken pictures at the party!
Such a fortuitous meeting! You both look wonderful for your anniversary date. I have learned so much from you (and from Mr Mikey for my husband) over the years that shopping is a pleasant experience. We can now open the closet and always find something appropriate to wear. Isn’t that wonderful?! Thank you!
You look stunning and the Mr. handsome as ever. Very best wishes for the New Year!
Congratulations on your almost 20 years together!
I so enjoy reading your posts and seeing your photos even though I don’t comment very often.
Merry Christmas,
Ellen Fenton
Wishing you and Mr. Mickey good health and a very happy holiday
Thank you for sharing this, Susan! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and Mr. Mickey. You both are in my prayers.
Merry Christmas to you both!
Lovely image of a couple who are happy being together..
A big thank you to Mr. Mickey for encouraging you to blog.
Sooooo glad that you and Mr. Mickey found each other. Just the right time, the right place, and the right event. You two are a sweet message of commitment, character, and class. We must not be afraid to try new things, new events, new places, even new people!!! Christmas hugs to you both!
You & Mr Mickey seem to grow younger every year!! You look wonderful together as always. What a wonderful story you two share. Happiest & warmest of holidays to you!
Hi Susan,
A beautiful story, celebrating 18 years of being “adventure partners.” You make a terrific team. You are both so fortunate and blessed to have one another.
Love the picture of you both, what a gorgeous Christmas tree.
What a beautiful picture the two of you make! Very best wishes for Christmas and 2024
Happy Holidays to you and Mr. Mickey! I so enjoy reading your posts and gaining knowledge about clothes and healthy living. You give us a lot of great suggestions! Please continue to give us some of your healthy eating advice.
The pictures you post of you and Mr. Mickey are always beautiful and inspiring. I hope you both have many great adventures ahead and a healthy and happy New Year! Have a wonderful holiday season!
Wishing you both a wonderful Christmas and only the best for both of you during 2024 and beyond.
Looking forward to your amazing posts in 2024
Love and Light from Australia
You make such a handsome couple, wishing you a peace, happy, safe Christmas.
Happy Anniversary to you both from here in the UK and I hope you had a wonderful day. I look forward to your blogs so much and they continue to inspire not just me but a whole host of women and I’m sure men that can work with their wardrobes and elevate a ordinary outfit into a stylish combination so thankyou for all your advice and ideas over the past years. I hope you and Mr Mickey are continuing to stay well and I hope you both enjoy Christmas and the coming New Year !
What a fortuitous Christmas party! A very happy anniversary to you both.
Thank you so much for your blog – it gives me such joy to read it and I appreciate your sharing your experience and wisdom so openly, thank you.
Now may I wish you the best of regards for the season with a healthy and peaceful 2024
Carol
Love following you each episode; however, I really do not like your new hair length-not flattering in mu opinion. You look so elegant in shorter hair…
I’ve made room in my schedule for a haircut later this week. The length isn’t by design.
Joyeuses Fêtes de fin d’année à vous et à Mr Mickey.
C’est toujours un grand plaisir pour moi de vous lire.
Vous êtes comme d’habitude, magnifique avec cette veste rouge.
YOU and Mr. MICKEY MAKE MY DAY!!! May you both have good health and happiness in the NEW YEAR!!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
Happy Holidays, Susan & Mr. Mickey!!
Happy Anniversary to you and Mr Mickey.
My husband and I met in 2007. He is 18 years older then me. We got married in 2016. I have not regretted one day. He gives me so much confidence and I truly feel so much love from him.
I hope you have many more years together ❤…..
Wonderful story and Merry Christmas to you and Mr Mickey! It’s funny how just a moment in time made such a difference in your lives.
Having followed you for many years, I continue to be inspired by your style recommendations and travel adventures with Mr. Mickey. Thank you for confirming that if you do what you love and enjoy, your passion will shine through. Equally appreciated, Susan, are the insightful tips and reminders you share that encourage us to be and look the best as we can be at any life stage.
Dear Susan I wish you and Mr. Mickey a happy Christmas, may you be blessed.
Your story is so sweet, and I wish you the best!
I love your blog even though our bodies couldn’t be much different. Excellent style techniques can be interpreted many ways to fit differing physiques. The quality of your photos and commentary are high.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Congratulations on your anniversary. You all make a profound impact on so many. May you have a wonderful Christmas and a very wonderful New Year.
Hello
What a beautiful story. Both of you are so blessed to have attended that special party in 2005. . Thank you for your emails. Love them all.
Merry Christmas Wishing you and Mr. Mickey all the best in 2024. You both look amazing.
Merry Christmas
Gayle
Merry Christmas to you and Mr. Mickey. Love the photo’s of you two together.
Wishing you and Mr. Mickey the happiest of holidays! All the best to you in 2024!
Merry Christmas . You both look lovely
Happy Holidays to you! Have enjoyed your blog for so many years now……
Susan, you and Mr. Mickey are such an elegant couple! I love your blog and look forward to each new entry. Thank you! Merry Christmas to you and Mr. Mickey and wishing you both the best of everything in 2024!
We who read your blog are so lucky you two found each other. Thank you for another year of wonderful posts. Merry Christmas and may 2024 be full of blessings for you both.
Dear Susan and Mr. Mickey –
Greetings from Massachusetts and best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and Happy and Healthy New Year!
Love,
Julie Johnston
I wish you both a wonderful holiday season. I am grateful for your inspiration.. Your posts are like a gift. May this message return to you some of the joy you bring to me.
Thank you, for your kind words. They made me smile.
You two are a great couple! Glad y’all (from Texas here!) met! Merry, blessed Christmas!
Great look! Love the red jacket!
Happy Anniversary! What a delightful history. Over the years your blog has inspired me to find joy in moments, dress beautifully for myself and celebrate life. You are positive and full of light. Thank you for what you bring to this space.
Happy Holidays to you and Mr. Mickey! What a handsome couple you make. Funny as we look back on our lives and events how one time leaving the house or talking to someone could lead to many years of enjoying each other’s company. I have found friends that way that I still hold dear and try to see as often as possible. Good luck and best of health in the new year.
Patty V
Love this story!
This post warmed my heart and made me smile. Wishing you and Mr, Mikey a wonderful Christmas and good health for the New Year!
Oh my goodness, another wonderful picture of you and Mr. M. You both look so “spiffy” and ready for any party or occasion you will be attending. No one would ever realize the trauma you both have endured this past year with health issues. It seems your positive outlook and words keep a lot of us thankful to know there is hope even in adversity. Susan, you look amazing and your words of encouragement in response to your surgery and situation as well as on Mr. M is refreshing to hear. You give an upbeat response even if you may feel the opposite at times and I for one admire your spunk and fortitude as I’m sure others do as well. May you both be blessed with a fabulous holiday and an even better New Year than ever before with surprising good news and fun adventures in store for you.
Clara from Iowa
Thank you, dear Clara. I wish you and your family a lovely holiday as well.
Echo what Erica said. Merry Christmas to the both of you. And good health to everyone this next year. May God bless you and yours.
Can you try to suggest some lower heel shoes I am 75 healthy young lady but I have knee problems and cannot wear 3 inch heels can you suggest lower heels that look stylish!
Wishing you and Mr. Mickey a wonderful, relaxing holiday season full of all the joy, hope, and delight you bring us all!
How sweet that you met at a Christmas party! You both have such great style —a match made in heaven!
I’m a widow and can’t imagine meeting another soulmate but your story gives me hope. Classy look as always!
“It’s Wonderful Life”! Your post proves it. Two strangers meet years ago. They realize they bring out the best in each other. Out of that overflow so many others have been richly blessed. Thank you both for your generosity to share the special skills and life lessons that you possess. What could be a better calling, than to encourage others, and shine a light on what is right and good in the world. May you have a joyous Christmas and may the New Year be as kind to you as you are to others!❤️
Dear Susan,
I enjoy your posts, more than you know! This is a stunning look!
Wishing you and Mr. Mickey a wonderful holiday season and a happy, health 2024!
Great story about how you met Mr. Mickey and his influence in your life!
Have a blessed Christmas!
Laura
Congratulations and Merry Christmas!
Wishing you & Mr. Mickey a happy holiday season and a joyous new year!
Joyeux Noël à vous deux et une longue vie, en vous remerciant pour ce blog que j’aime.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story!
You look holiday chic. Both of you!
Enjoy the season.
I’m so glad the comments you receive warm your heart. It is so lovely for me to see how you plan your days, your outfits and encourage all of us to “reach a bit higher” for some elegance in our lives. I’m an 84 healthy person, just back from a mother, daughter, granddaughter trip to New York – seeing a play, a concert, and the beautiful, haunting, Memorial of 9/11. God bless and keep us. Have a beautiful Season of Love.
Merry Christmas! Thank you for another year of inspiration. One thing I have paid more attention to this year is how wearing vivid colors like the beautiful red jacket today look so nice with your gray/white hair. I have stopped having my hair colored this past year, and I like the results although I need to remember to avoid blah colors since they make me look tired and old. I’m 76 and full of energy, so I want my face to reflect that.
Perhaps you could do a column on that topic since I imagine many of your followers are also transitioning to white/gray hair. Your tips are always helpful and interesting. Thank you!
Lovely couple . So enjoy reading the blogs and learning a little about your lives. Happy Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you both. Praying for a new healthy year to come
I don’t know how I found you a few years back but I love seeing your blogs. You have provided me with wonderful ideas and give me needed inspiration. Keep up the great work. Wishing you and Mr. Mickey a Very Merry Christmas and many blessings in the New Year
A beautiful couple! Susan, thank you for all that you do for us.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL…
That red jacket is such a perfect shade for you. It really adds the perfect holiday flare to the black. I’m going to have to go try on different shades of red somewhere. I never seem to find one I like. I really love the style of it, too.
May you and Mr. Mickey have a joyful holiday season!
Dear Susan and Mr Mickey, Congratulations on the 18th Anniversary of your meeting! I had to think that through , ha- yes indeed 2005 really was 18 years ago. It’s great to hear how you met and see you decked out and looking great in your holiday outfits.
Best Wishes for Happy Holidays!
Your story is like a Hallmark movie
Hi Susan, I just joined your blog a few weeks ago and I am so enjoying it! You have such a classy style and elegance about you. I have never had the ability to pull outfits together like you can, so I am trying to learn from you. I love the simple classic clothing, but must admit I am most comfortable in my jeans and tee shirts. I am a 79 year old great grandmother, but I still want to look more polished when I step out into the public. I do not have the budget for clothing that you show, so I will be attempting to “mimic” with cheaper versions! I hope this does not insult you….not my intention at all.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
Judy
I’m happy you can take the inspiration and make the look your own on your budget. Classic pieces are timeless and can be adapted for almost any budget or style personality. Thank you for your comment.
I subscribe to several sites for women of our age, 60’s, and yours is the one I look most forward to. Thank you for your kindness and elegance. Merry Christmas to you both.
Happy Holidays and Happy Anniversary!
A beautiful union of hearts! I’ve been away from your blog for a few years and just seeing your new hair length! I love it! It’s classic, just like you!
Hi Susan, Gorgeous outfit! Lovely to see you and Mr Mickey together. All the best to you both for the holiday season (and thank you for your posts).
Wishing you both good health and happiness in the coming year!
Dear Susan and Mr. Mickey,
Thank you for your good Christmas wishes and all the fabulous blog posts you made.
May this coming Christmas give you both much joy and happiness en I wish you both many blessings in the New Year from our Good Lord! Thank you for all your advice and the joy you both bring.
Sincerely, Jolanda
Love your blog, suggestions and photos. Feel like I have finally found a fashion site for women my age. You look fabulous.
Thank you and have a Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you & Mr. Mickey
What a special twosome you are! Thanks for all your inspiration….style, travel, and life! MERRY CHRISTMAS to you both and wishing you good health and happiness in the new year!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas.
Thank you for all your thoughts, ideas and style tips over the past year.
Much Appreciated!!!
Thank you for inspiring me to not only dress well, but to remember to celebrate special moments with my loved ones. Merry Christmas to you both and may 2024 bring you good health and more adventures!
So we have you both to thank for the sparkle you bring into our lives!
My wishes to you both for much happiness ahead with more adventures.
Ever grateful,
Carolyn way over here in New Zealand
xx
Keep on keepin’ on Susan! I hope you’ll continue blogging for a very long time!
Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays to you and Mr. Mickey!
Merry Christmas to you and Mr Mickey!!
(I love your hair at this length!)
I know you are ever so proud of this fantastic photo of the two of you! Treasure every day you have with one another.
Merry Christmas to you both and Best Wishes for a VERY Healthy and Happy New Year!
I love your story and how it all began.
Truly meant to be ❤️
~Kaye Deane Williams
Congratulations on another year of your adventures! You and Mr. Mickey are an icon!
Susan I bought the jacket and pants at J Crew….as soon as I saw this outfit I knew it was mine also. HOWEVER I am 5’5″ with a 30″ inseam in pretty much HIGH heels. These Pants in a size 8 were 32′ inseam which was ridiculous. I got them 40% off and had to pay $20 to get them hemmed so that helped. I couldn’t get an answer from J Crew about if you buy a petite does it just affect the inseam or does it affect all proportions of the pant.
I seem to add a whole new shoe wardrobe with these flare and wide leg plants. I need platforms, lug soles, boots,
loafers, and high heels that are also on a bit of a platform. Sheeish
I do not buy petite and I like high waisted (yay!) but I’m finding at Madewell that their petites are just about a shorter length? Your opinion on this? thank you….. and you look marvelous! As does Mr. Mickey.
Thank you, Joan. I don’t know the answer to your question since I have not purchased any but the regular length from J.Crew.
Christmas Blessings and New Year to you and Mr. Mickey…I love reading your blog. It is what I use most often when I go shopping.
You bless me with every read…..Love Jacqui
Hamilton, Ontario Canada
Happy festive season. Much love from Australia
Congratulations to you and Mr. Mickey! How wonderful that you two have been together since 2005.
I am so glad for your blog, from which I continue to learn a great deal.
Very best wishes to you both for a terrific 2024.